Interview Rebecca Underwood
photos WISPA
Listed as the world number 1 squash player Nicol David has redefined success in the Malaysian arena. Nicol was born 26 August 1983 in Penang, Malaysia and has two sisters who are also squash players at a national level. Nicol is a key example of succeeding academically and in sports, achieving several A’s in school.
Starting at the tender age of 5 Nicol began playing squash for fun, beginning training at 8 years old where she was talent spotted at the Bukit Dumbar Squash Centre, by Miss Ee Phoeh Hoon and led Nicol and her sisters to representing their home state of Penang.
Nicknamed the ‘Pink Duracell Bunny’ for her speed and ability, Nicol dominated the squash scene becoming the youngest world’s women junior champion at 15 having won twice which makes her one of two in the history of squash to achieve this.
Nicol has set the squash rankings ablaze by winning the Asian Championship in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2005, Nicol became the youngest world champion by winning in the Hong Kong in the Women’s World Open. In 2006 at 23 years of age Nicol took over as the world number one.
When you started playing squash did u you want to just play for fun or take it to a competitive level?
I just wanted to join my sisters and using my hyper activeness on the squash court. As I got better at 11 and 12 years old, I started getting into the competitiveness of the game.
What is your favourite part of your career?
The enjoyment I have playing the sport I love while getting to travel all over the world and meeting new people while experiencing different cultures.
As World Number 1 Women’s Squash Player you must have played all over the world, where was your favourite place to play?
I really like Rio when I was competing in the World Juniors because of it’s beach culture and everyone is always in a festive mood.
Do you enjoy travelling?
That’s the perks of playing squash professionally and I’ve mentioned it in my previous answer too.
How do you feel being the World Number 1 Women’s Squash Player?
It’s such a great feeling but I always think I need to keep improving my game to prove my standing in the rankings.
Other then squash what is your favourite sport?
I like volleyball and basketball while doing a lot of swimming too.
Do you play or take part in any other sports?
I used to compete for my school in volleyball and athletics but squash took me places.
Do you like the fact your sisters are also accomplished squash players?
It was a fun environment to be with both my sisters Lianne and Cheryl in the state team and also representing the national team at various occasions because they were training with me even when I was not at their level. They gave a lot of their time to be on court with me and that’s how I improve so quickly.
Have you ever had to play them?
I always played them mostly during the juniors and even had to play my second sister Cheryl in the finals of the Asian Junior Championships individual finals. It was a great moment for my parents not to worry about who wins at the end.
What has been your greatest achievement in your career?
Winning the World Championships is the highlight because that was a dream becoming reality at such an early stage of my career.
If you could change anything in your career, what would it be?
I wouldn’t change anything because I’m where I am today because of my journey so far.
What advice would you give young girls interested in playing squash?
Enjoy the game with their friends and in no time they’ll be hooked with the fun aspect of the sport. It’s a very social sport and by working a little harder, someday they could represent their state or country like I have.
